Vitamin B-12 makes red blood cells, prevents pernicious anemia.

Symptom Quiz & Video

How to Correct a Vitamin B-12 Deficiency

B-12 is for Red Blood Cells

B-12 is necessary for the proper growth and development of your body's red blood cells. Pernicious anemia, a disease that was fatal before 1920, can result when the body does not absorb enough vitamin B-12.

Q u i z !

Cures Pernicious Anemia

It was discovered that pernicious anemia could be cured by eating large amounts of liver, and later it was found that liver contains both B-12 and a substance (intrinsic factor) which your body requires to effectively absorb B-12.

Food is Best Source of B-12

Foods are your best sources of all nutrients. If your chart shows deficiencies of any B vitamins, increase your intake of vitamin B-rich foods,

B-12 is for Controlling Damaging Amino Acid

It is thought that B-12 may also play a role in controlling blood levels of homocysteine, the amino acid which is believed to cause damage to blood vessels. Taking supplements of vitamins B-12, B-6 and folic acid has been shown to return the level of homocysteine to normal, and thus it is believed that these B vitamins may provide valuable protection against heart disease.

B-12 is for Nerve Fibers and Genetic Material

Additionally, vitamin B-12 is necessary for the function of all nerve fibres, and for the production of genetic material within cells and the metabolism of fats, carbohydrates and proteins.

When B-12 levels are low, sometimes a B-12 shot is necessary

B-12 Deficiency Common in Elderly

Vitamin B-12 deficiency is more common in the elderly than in younger people.

Eggs are a good source.

How to Increase Your B-12

Take a good multivitamin/mineral capsule or a B-complex tablet daily (with a meal)

follow all recommendations to improve your digestion.

B-12 is the only vitamin that is found in very few vegetarian sources.

B-12 is most plentiful in:

meat

fish

milk

milk products

eggs.

The following contain some B-12. Although reports vary about their reliability as sources, they are very nutritious foods and it would be a good idea to add them to your diet. We need only very tiny amounts of B-12 but it is crucial:

Sea vegetables such as:

arame

bladder wrack

dulse

hijiki

kelp

kombu

nori

sea palm

wakame

mushrooms

tempeh (a fermented soy product)

B-12 is the only vitamin that is stored in the liver and most people have enough stored in the liver to last at least five years.

The only people who may not get enough B-12 in their diets are long-time vegans who haven't eaten any dairy food or eggs for some years.

They may need supplements, especially pregnant or nursing women.

(Note that many vegans have adequate B-12 blood levels and never need supplements.)

Please note that we are not doctors and we do not diagnose or treat disease. By using our site and services you agree that you understand the importance of consulting a doctor if either we identify potential medical problems or you suspect that you have a medical problem.